Infant child restraint system

ABSTRACT

A novel infant child restraint system that includes a base having a height adjustment to allow the base to assume one of a plurality of positions and inclinations when mounted to the vehicle seat. Additionally, in certain embodiments the base is formed to have a recessed knee-receiving area, into which the user can place their knee when tightening the vehicle&#39;s restraint system around the base. The base and car seat are removably attached in interlocking relation using a novel connection mechanism that is not susceptible to premature or improper release due to forces, regardless of the direction of such forces. This mechanism is independent of the car seat handle. Furthermore, this connection mechanism includes a simple manual disconnect or release system, to allow quick removal of the seat from the base.

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/288,579, filed Dec. 21, 2009, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infant child restraint systems are well known in the art. Typically, theinfant child restraint system is made up of two parts; an infant carseat and a base into which the infant car seat is mounted. The base ispositioned on the seat of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, train orairplane, and secured using the restraint system of the vehicle, or alatch system. For example, a base is typically secured in place on anautomobile seat through the use of the vehicle's seat belt or a latchsystem.

The infant car seat is then attached to the base, typically using one ormore connection points. This allows the base to be left secured to thevehicle seat, while only the baby seat is removed. To provide maximumprotection to the infant, the infant seat is typically oriented suchthat when the infant occupies the seat, the infant's feet are nearestthe seat back.

There are a number of issues associated with each of these twocomponents. For example, as stated above, the base is typically securedto the vehicle seat via the restraint system. Usually the restraintsystem consists of a lap belt, which in its operative mode is ahorizontally disposed belt that passes across the passenger at thewaist. The restraint system also includes a shoulder belt, which in itsoperative mode is slanted and positioned from the waist of the passengeron one side to the opposite shoulder. Alternatively, a latch system canbe employed.

In view of its low vertical profile, the base generally must be securedusing only the lap and shoulder belt. Given the single axis ofrestraint, it is important that the weight of the base (with the babyseat) is properly distributed. If the belt crosses the base at anunstable position, it is possible that the base may be able to rotateabout this axis of restraint, especially in the case of a sudden changein motion, such as sudden braking or a crash impact.

A second issue associated with the base is the need to insure that thebase is tightly secured by the vehicle's restraint system. If the beltis not taut, it is possible that the base (and attached baby seat) canshift forward during a sudden stop or crash impact.

Another issue is the variation in slope and position of the vehicle seatonto which the base is placed. For example, some vehicle seats arehorizontal, or nearly horizontal. Others, however, are much more sloped.Typically, the inner portion of the seat, where it meets the seat back,will be at a lower height then the outer portion of the seat, where theuser's legs hang from. Therefore, the base, unless it has an adjustment,is positioned at different inclinations, based on the vehicle's seat.These differences in inclination cause the infant car seat to also be atdifferent inclinations; some of which may not offer sufficientprotection for the infant. Height adjustments within the base can beused to minimize this issue.

In addition to the above mentioned safety concerns associated with thebase, there are also a number associated with the connection of the baseto the infant car seat. The connection of the base to the infant carseat has conflicting goals. On the one hand, it is preferable for theseat to be easily disconnected from the base, so that a parent caneasily separate the infant car seat from the base and use thedisconnected seat as a baby-carrying apparatus. On the other hand, it isimperative that the connection be robust enough that it does notinadvertently disconnect in response to a sudden motion or impact.

Therefore, it is important that the connection mechanism between thebase and the infant car seat be easily actuated yet robust, even in thepresence of sudden, unexpected movements. Some connection mechanisms areoptimized to withstand forces in one particular direction. In otherwords, they are tested to insure no inadvertent disconnections when theseat is forced forward relative to the base. While this is obviouslyimportant, this connection must equally withstand forces that tend topush the infant car seat backward, to the left and to the right.

While the strength of the connection cannot be compromised, there is aneed for a manual disconnect mechanism that is preferably simple andrequires little force to operate. This manual disconnect mechanism ispreferably operable using a single hand, such that the other hand can beused to hold or support the infant car seat. Additionally, the mechanismshould preferably be located in a convenient location, so that the usercan readily access the mechanism with minimum inconvenience.

In addition to the strength and convenience of the connection mechanism,another important consideration is the location of the mechanism withrespect to both the base and the car seat. In some embodiments of theprior art, the connection mechanism includes one point of attachment. Inthis scenario, the location of that attachment point is critical. If theattachment point is located near one end of the car seat, such as nearthe feet, it may be possible for the car seat to rotate about thisattachment point. For example, a sudden stop may cause the car seat tomove relative to the base. If the attachment point is located near theend of the car seat (either the head end or the foot end), the seat canrotate about this point, causing unnecessary motion of the seat andexcessive stress on the attachment point and connection mechanism.

Some other considerations include the overall weight and strength of theinfant car seat, and its ability to be attached to a stroller, or otherapparatus.

Currently, some of these issues are addressed in a variety of ways, withvarying degrees of success. In some cases, the solutions to these issuesare expensive, thereby raising the price of the infant child restraintsystem. It would be beneficial if these issues could be addressed in asafe, convenient and cost effective manner.

SUMMARY

The problems of the prior art are addressed by a novel infant childrestraint system. This system includes a base having a height adjustmentto allow the base to assume one of a plurality of positions andinclinations when mounted to the vehicle seat. Additionally, in certainembodiments the base is formed to have a recessed knee-receiving area,into which the user can place their knee when tightening the vehicle'srestraint system around the base. The base is configured not only to bemounted to a vehicle seat, but also to removably receive a childcarrier, such as a car seat.

The base and car seat are removably attached in interlocking relationusing a novel connection mechanism that is not susceptible to prematureor improper release due to forces, regardless of the direction of suchforces. This mechanism is independent of the car seat handle.Furthermore, this connection mechanism includes a simple manualdisconnect or release system, to allow quick removal of the seat fromthe base. The connection mechanism is positioned at attachment points onthe base in such a position such that the seat will not rotate relativeto the base in the event of sudden deceleration or impact of thevehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the base according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the base of FIG. 1, showing the base plateand the height adjuster;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the base plate of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the base plate of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the base plate of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the height adjuster of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a back view of the height adjuster of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the height adjuster of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the height adjuster of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a cross section of the base of FIG. 1 shown at the hingepoint of the height adjuster;

FIG. 11 shows an infant child restraint system with the height adjusterin a first position;

FIG. 12 shows an infant child restraint system with the height adjusteras it transitions from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 13 shows an infant child restraint system with the height adjusteras it transitions from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 14 shows an infant child restraint system with the height adjusterin a second position;

FIG. 15 shows an expanded view of the connection between the heightadjuster and the base plate;

FIG. 16 a shows a second embodiment of an infant child restraint systemwith a height adjuster in a first position;

FIG. 16 b shows a second embodiment of an infant child restraint systemwith a height adjuster in a second position;

FIG. 17 shows the height adjuster of FIG. 16 a-b;

FIG. 18 shows bottom view of the height adjuster of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the infant car seat;

FIG. 20 shows a view of the infant car seat of FIG. 19 with the paddingremoved to reveal internal elements;

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the infant car seat of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows an expanded view of one embodiment of the lockingmechanism of the infant child restraint system;

FIG. 23 shows a cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of FIG.22;

FIG. 24 shows the unlock mechanism of FIG. 22 in isolation;

FIG. 25 shows the unlock mechanism of FIG. 22 within the infant carseat;

FIG. 26 shows an expanded view of the unlock mechanism shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 shows another view of the unlock mechanism of FIG. 22;

FIG. 28 shows a side view of the connection point;

FIG. 29 shows a side view of the connection point;

FIG. 30 shows the release handle for the unlock mechanism;

FIG. 31 shows a view of the release handle and lip;

FIG. 32 shows another view of the release handle and lip;

FIG. 33 shows a view of the release handle and upper members of theunlock mechanism;

FIG. 34 shows an expanded view of the release handle and upper members;

FIG. 35 shows the attachment points between the infant car seat and thebase;

FIG. 36 shows the handle used with the infant child restraint system;

FIG. 37 shows the outside view of right handle;

FIG. 38 shows a top view of right handle;

FIG. 39 shows a view of the inner edge of the right handle;

FIG. 40 shows a top view of the right handle;

FIG. 41 shows an expanded view of the handle attachment mechanism ofleft handle;

FIG. 42 shows a top view of the left handle and right handle joinedtogether;

FIG. 43 shows a top view of the left handle, right handle and handlecap;

FIG. 44 shows an expanded view of one embodiment of the lockingmechanism of the infant child restraint system;

FIG. 45 shows another view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a second embodiment of the hook located on the base;

FIG. 47 shows the tab and hook of the second embodiment in the normallocked position; and

FIG. 48 shows the tab and hook of the second embodiment in a secondarylocked position in the event of an accident.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the base 10 of the infant child restraintsystem, in accordance with one embodiment. The base 10 is comprised oftwo parts, a base plate 100 and a height adjuster 200. In oneembodiment, the base plate is a single molded plastic part. It may bemade from polypropylene or other plastic. Similarly, the height adjuster200 is also a single molded plastic part, made from similar materials.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the base 10, showing the relative sizesand positioning of the base plate 100 and the height adjuster 200.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the base plate 100. Base plate 100has two openings 101 a, 101 b through which the vehicle's restraintsystem can pass. In addition, a belt guide path 105 is positionedbetween the two openings 101 a, 101 b and defines the regions where thevehicle's seat belt or latch system presses against the base plate 100.The vehicle's belt passes through one of the openings 101, over the beltguide path 105, and through the second opening 101. The fastener for thevehicle belt that locks the belt in place may be located outside of thebase plate 100, or between openings 101 a, 101 b. The base plate 100also includes an attachment point 110 to which the infant car seat isconnected. The placement of the attachment point 110 above the guidepath 105 provides a secure location, sandwiched between the belt and theseat back.

The base plate 100 also may include one or more grooves 115, into whichcontoured edges of the infant car seat (not shown) may rest. Althoughthe seat is not secured to these grooves, the use of these grooves 115and contours increases the stability of the infant car seat in the base100. Optionally, one or more catches 120 may be inserted into the baseplate 100. These catches 120 are located so as to correspond to claws onthe infant car seat. In this embodiment, the infant car seat isconnected to the base plate 100 at attachment point 110, as well as atcatches 120. The infant car seat is then pressed in a downward directionso that the clips 120 snap into place, as is described in more detaillater.

One of the issues cited above is the need to insure that the base 100 issecured tightly by the vehicle's restraint system. Typically, the base100 is placed on the vehicle's seat and the vehicle's restraint belt istightened around the base in some manner. As it is critical to maintaintautness, the operator often attempts to push the base downwardly andrearwardly, so as to press it into the junction formed by vehicle's seatand seat back. Such a process is typically ineffective, and is awkwardand inconvenient for the user, resulting in extra length in the belt,thereby allowing the base 10 to move relative to the vehicle seat.

Accordingly, in accordance with certain embodiments, base plate 100includes a molded recess 130 in the general area that is configured torest on the vehicle's seat. The recess 130 has an arcuate end 131,furthest from the front edge 135 of the base 100. The arcuate end 131may be semicircular, arced or curvilinear. In some embodiments, theradius of the arc of the arcuate end is designed to be slightly largerthan that of a typical bent knee shape. The sides 134 of the recess 130may be straight and may be parallel to one another, or may extendslightly outwardly going from the arcuate end 131 to the front edge 135.In another embodiment, the sides 134 may extend inwardly going from thearcuate end 131 to the front edge 135.

The arcuate end 131 transitions to the upper level 140 on the base plate100 via a sloped surface 132. This sloped surface is preferably concaveup. Similarly, sides 134 transition to a higher level on the base plate100 via a sloped surface 132. The sloped surface 132 preferably meetsthe upper level 140 in an arcuate shape.

In operation, the recess 130 and sloped surfaces 134 are configured toaccommodate the knee of the operator. The user would place their knee inthe recess 130. They would then use the sloped surface 132 as leverageto drive their knee forward, toward the seat back. Due to the shape ofthe recess and the sloped surface, the user's knee is not subjected toany sharp edges, and therefore, the user is able to apply greaterdownward and forward force. This allows the restraint system to besecured at its tightness point. It is important to note that the recessand sloped walls provide surfaces in two directions for the user. Thus,the recess 130 provides a surface which the user can push downward.Sloped surfaces 132 provide a surface which the user can push forward.This configuration, built to accommodate the general shape of a bentknee, allows maximum force to be exerted.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the base plate 100. In this view, one ofthe openings 101 a is visible. The shape of the recess 130 is alsovisible from the bottom side of the base plate, although this is not arequirement of the design. Near the rear of the base plate, there aretwo slots 155 (only one shown). These slots are used to accommodate theheight adjuster 200, as will be described in more detail later. A raisedtab 150 is also used in conjunction with the height adjuster 200.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the base plate 100. This cross sectionshows the slot 155 that accepts a post on the height adjuster 200. Thetab 150 is also visible.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a first embodiment of the height adjuster200. The front surface of the height adjuster is preferably smooth,since in one position, this surface is in contact with the vehicle seat.The height adjuster 200 has a roughly rectangular body 201, with twoarms 205 extending upward. Each arm 205 has a radially inwardly facingpost 210, which mates with slots 155 on the base plate 100. In anotherembodiment, the arms may be located closer to the middle of the body201, with the posts 210 facing radially outwardly. Small protrusions 215may be located on the top of each arm 205, and extend axially therefrom.Although not shown, the bottom surface of the height adjuster 200 isalso preferably smooth, as it contacts the vehicle's seat in oneposition.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the height adjuster 200 of FIG. 6. The rearsurface need not be smooth, as it never contacts the vehicle's seat. Toprovide additional strength, the height adjuster 200 may have ribs 220across the rectangular body 201. Although spaced axial ribs are shown,the number, spacing, thickness and positioning of the ribs is notparticularly limited. If desired, ribs can also be placed within thearms 205. In addition to posts 210, two small protrusions 215 arevisible on the top of the arms 205.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two additional views of the height adjuster 200. Thefront surface of arms 205 are preferably curved inwardly in thedirection from the rectangular body 201 to the top of the adjuster 200.As will be described in more detail below, the adjuster 200 rotatesabout the posts 210. The curved shape of the front of the arms allowsthis rotation to occur.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section of base 10, with the adjuster 200 in afirst, fully extended position. Posts 210 on the adjuster 200 are showninserted into slots 155 of the base plate 100. As can be seen in FIG.10, slots 155 are preferably oblong, providing a track in which theposts 210 can travel axially in response to a force applied to theadjuster 200. It is also seen that the curvature of arms 205 allows them(and the adjuster 200) to rotate about the axis defined by the posts,without being impeded by the wall of the base plate 100.

FIG. 11 shows the infant child restraint system with the height adjuster200 in a second, fully retracted position. As described above, the frontsurface of the adjuster 200 is preferably smooth as this surface is incontact with the vehicle's seat. In this second position, the posts 210are positioned at the lower end of slots 155. The protrusions 215 maypress against the inside wall, forcing it to bow slightly outward. Thepressure exerted by the bowed wall in this orientation helps to retainthe adjuster 200 in this position.

FIG. 12 shows the infant child restraint system as the height adjusterin an intermediate position as it moves from the second, fully retractedposition to the first, fully extended position (or vice versa). In thisstage of movement, the adjuster 200 is being rotated about the axisdefined by the posts 210. The curvature of the arms allows the adjusterto turn. As this happens, the bottom surface of the adjuster begins toemerge from the base plate 100.

FIG. 13 shows the infant child restraint system as the height adjusterfrom the second position to the first position. In this stage ofmovement, the adjuster 200 has been rotated about the axis defined bythe posts 210 until its front surface is against the inside wall of thebase plate 100. The bottom surface of the adjuster is now in contactwith the vehicle's seat.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the infant child restraint system in a secondposition. In this stage, the adjuster is moved upward, such that theposts 210 are against the upper end of the slots 155. When in thisposition, tab 150 (also see FIG. 4) is now beyond the rear surface ofthe adjuster, thereby holding the adjuster in place between the innerwall and the tab 150. In another embodiment, the adjuster 200 has acorresponding aperture on the top surface of the rectangular body 201,such that by moving the adjuster 200 upward into the slot 155, the tab150 slides into the aperture in the adjuster 200, thereby holding it inthis second position. In both of these embodiments, the tab 150 servesto create a second stable location, whereby the height adjuster cannotmove without manual intervention.

This embodiment shows an example where the height adjustment is achievedthrough roughly a 90° rotation of the adjuster 200. In one embodiment,the adjuster is positioned with its front surface roughly parallel tothe vehicle's seat in one position. In another position, the adjuster isrotated so that the front surface is roughly perpendicular to thevehicle's seat. Posts in the adjuster and slots in the base plate arebut one way to achieve this type and degree of motion.

FIGS. 16-18 show a second embodiment of the height adjuster 300. In thisembodiment, the adjuster 300 also has positions. FIG. 16 a shows theinfant child restraint system in the first position. As can be seen inthis figure, the height adjuster 300 has posts 310 located along itsoutside edges. These posts are inserted into slots 165 in the base plate100. As before, the slots 165 are preferably oblong, so that the posts310 can travel in one direction within the slot. As shown in FIG. 16 a,the posts 310 are slid forward in slots 165.

Preferably height adjuster 300 extends slightly from the base plate 100in this first position (as was also shown in FIG. 11). Since the frontsurface of the height adjuster is smooth, it will not damage thevehicle's seat. By extending slightly beyond the base plate 100, theedges of the base plate are not in contact with the seat, allowing themto be less finished.

FIG. 16 b shows the infant child restraint system in a second position.In this position, the height adjuster 300 extends beyond the back of thebase plate 100, thereby raising its height. As shown in FIG. 17, in oneembodiment, there is a slotted opening 320 in the height adjuster 300,such that the bottom edge of the base plate 100 rests in the slottedopening 320 in the second position. To allow the adjuster 300 to extendbeyond the rear wall, the posts 310 are moved back against the slots165.

To move between the first position and the second position, the adjuster300 is first rotated about the axis defined by the posts 310. Thisallows the adjuster 300 to extend beyond the bottom of the base plate100. When the adjuster 300 has rotated sufficiently, the adjuster 300 isthen pulled back toward the rear of the base plate 100, forcing theposts 310 to slide in the slots 165 from their forward position to theback position. The adjuster 300 is then rotated in the oppositedirection until the bottom edge of the base plate 100 enters the slottedopenings 320 (FIG. 17) in the adjuster 300. To return to the firstposition, these steps are simply performed in reverse.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the adjuster 300 in isolation. Slottedopenings 320 exist on the upper portion of the adjuster, and areconfigured to allow the bottom of base plate 100 to slide therein. Alsoon the upper portion of the adjuster 300 are the radially extendingposts 310, which slidingly cooperate with the slots 165 in base 100 (seeFIG. 16 b) to allow the pivotable attachment of the adjuster 300 to thebase plate 100. Although not required by the invention, the lowerportion of the adjuster is preferably smooth, as it rests against thevehicle seat.

FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of the adjuster 300 in the base plate 100.The adjuster 300 is in the first, fully extended position in thisfigure.

This embodiment shows an example where the height adjuster rotates lessthan 90° and uses lateral translation of the posts within the slot tomove between the two positions. The embodiment of FIGS. 16-18 is not tobe considering limiting. For example, the height adjuster 300 may beoriented roughly perpendicular to the vehicle's seat. In one position,the height adjuster does not extend beyond the bottom of the base plate100. To move to the second position, the adjuster is moved verticallyalong an elongated slot. At the bottom of the slot, the adjuster isrotated slightly, so that a slot in the adjuster is engaged by the rearwall of the base plate 100.

FIG. 19 shows the car seat 400. The car seat 400 has a head end 410,where the child's head is placed, and a foot end 420, with a backsupport therebetween. When inserted into the base 100, the foot end 420is closest to the seat back. This offers maximum protection for aninfant, as a sudden stop of the vehicle does not force the infantforward into the restraints. Rather, a sudden stop pushes the babytoward the padding in the infant car seat 400. The various slits 411shown in FIG. 19 are used to adjust the restraints that are used to holdthe infant in the car seat (not shown).

In certain embodiments, the car seat 400 also includes radiallyextending connection points 430, which may serve two purposes. In someembodiments, these connection points 430 snap into notches or recesses137 in the base 100 (see FIG. 3), which serve as an additional set ofattachment points between the car seat 400 and the base 100. In someembodiments, these connection points may be used to attach the infantcar seat into a corresponding stroller or other similar apparatus. Theinfant seat also comprises a handle 440.

FIG. 20 shows the car seat 400 of FIG. 19 with the padding and handleremoved, revealing the underlying components. The car seat 400preferably comprises a single hard plastic shell 450. Suitable materialsof construction for the hard shell include polypropylene.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the car seat of FIG. 20. In addition to theshell 450, an unlock mechanism 460 is shown extending from the head end410 to the foot end 420. At the foot end 420, the unlock mechanism 460attaches to rotatable tabs 470. As will be explained in more detaillater, these tabs 470 rotate when the unlock mechanism 460 is engaged,thereby disconnecting the car seat 400 from the base 100. The unlockmechanism 460 is preferably located along the outer portion of the shell450, so that it is not impeded by the weight of the infant resting onit. In some embodiments, the shell 450 has one or more channels 455along the outer edge, such that the unlock mechanism 460 sits within thechannels 455. In addition, alignment means, such as alignment pins 457,are positioned within the channel 455 to hold the unlock mechanism 460in place.

FIG. 22 shows an expanded view of one embodiment of the rotatable tabs470 and their connection to the unlock mechanism 460. The tabs 470 arerotatably affixed to the car seat at pivots 472. The unlock mechanism460 attaches to the tab via elongated arm 473. In the locked position, alocking portion 474 of tab 470 is lockingly positioned under metal tab471. As can be better seen in FIG. 23, the metal tab 471 is attached tothe base plate 100. The upper edge 476 of each metal tab 471 is angledto facilitate the locking process. Below the angled portion 476 is anotched area 477. A locking portion 474 of the tab 470 is lockinglyengaged in this notched area 477 when in the locked position. Thelocking portion 474 of the tab 470 and the elongated arm 473 are locatedon opposite sides of the pivot point 472. In this configuration, anupward movement of the unlock mechanism 460 causes an outward rotationof the locking portion 474 of the tab 470 away from metal tab 471. Thespecific shape of the tab 470 can vary, in that the locking portion 474,the pivot 472 and the elongated arm 473 must all be present, however,their sizes and orientation with respect to each other can vary. Tab 470can be made from various materials, including but not limited to metal,or hard plastic. Although the tab 471 is preferably metal and isreferred to as the metal tab, other material can also be used for itsconstruction.

Returning to FIG. 22, the locking process will be described. When thecar seat 400 is properly positioned about the base 100, the tabs 470,and specifically the locking portions 474, will be aligned with themetal tabs 471. When the car seat is pushed downward, the tabs 470 pressagainst the angled portions of the metal tabs 471. These angled portions476 urge the tabs 470 to rotate away from the metal tab 471. Note thatthe tabs 470 necessarily rotate in opposite directions with respect toeach other due to the symmetric nature of the design. As the tab 470rotates, the unlock mechanism 460 (which does not move during thelocking process) slides along the elongated arm 473, thereby offeringlittle resistance to this rotation. Once the car seat has been presseddown far enough, the locking portion 474 of the tab 470 moves past theangled portion 476 and reaches the notch area 477. A biasing element,such as a spring (not shown), urges the tabs 470 to rotate back, therebymoving the locking portion 474 into the notched area 477, holding thecar seat in place.

To disengage the car seat from the base, the user urges the unlockmechanism 460 toward the head end 410. This action causes the unlockmechanism 460 to pull the elongated arms toward the head end 410. Thiscauses tabs 470 to rotate about pivots 472 and release the lockingportions 474 of the tabs 470 from beneath metal tabs 471.

Since the tabs 470 rotate in opposite directions relative to each otherto release the car seat, this locking mechanism is not vulnerable topremature or improper release from forces, regardless of the directionof those forces. Impacts from the side may cause the car seat to movelaterally relative to the base. Referring to FIG. 23, assume the carseat is forced left relative to the base. This action will tend to pushthe tab 470 on the left side of the drawing away from the metal tab 471.However, this action also serves to push the tab 470 on the right sidedeeper into the notch 477, thereby continuing to hold the car seat inplace. Similarly, a force to the right would cause a reversal of theimpact on each tab. Note also that this mechanism is designed to have nosusceptibility to front or backward motion, since the tabs cannot bemoved in these directions.

FIG. 21 shows the car seat with the padding removed, so that the unlockmechanism 460 is visible. FIG. 24 shows the unlock mechanism 460 outsideof the car seat. The unlock mechanism 460 has a release handle 481,which the user grasps and pulls to engage the mechanism 460. Attached tothe release handle 481 are two upper members 482 a,b. These uppermembers 482 are enclosed within the head end of the car seat. The uppermembers 482 attach to two lower members 484 a,b, which are enclosed inthe foot end 420. Between the upper and lower members are the connectionpoints 430. As described earlier, lower members 484 terminate in aconnection to tabs 470. In some embodiments, the release handle 481 andupper members 482 a,b are integral, while in other embodiments, theseparts are separate components. Similarly, upper members 482 a,b andlower members 484 a,b may be integral, or may be separate components.

FIGS. 44 and 45 shows a second embodiment of the tab 570. This tab issimilar to tab 470, with several exceptions. Tab 570, as seen in FIGS.44 and 45, has an opening 578 near the locking portion 574. This opening578 is used in conjunction with the metal tab 571 (see FIG. 46), as willbe described below. Similar to tab 470, tab 570 has an elongated arm 573which attaches to lower member 484 a,b. The tabs 570 are rotatablyaffixed to the car seat at pivots 572. The unlock mechanism 460 attachesto the tab via elongated arm 573.

FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of tab 570. In this embodiment, tab 570is not flat, but has a turned up edge 579. The opening 578 is close tothe turned up edge 579. In other embodiments, the tab is flat, but hasan opening 578.

FIG. 46 shows the metal tab 571. The upper edge 576 of each metal tab571 is angled to facilitate the locking process. Below the angledportion 576 is a notched area 577. The locking portion 574 of the tab570 is lockingly engaged in this notched area 577 when in the lockedposition. The locking portion 574 of the tab 570 and the elongated arm573 are located on opposite sides of the pivot point 572. In thisconfiguration, an upward movement of the unlock mechanism 460 causes anoutward rotation of the locking portion 574 of the tab 570 away frommetal tab 571. Metal tab 571 also has a downward projection 581 locatedat the upper region of the notched area 577.

In normal operation, this downward projecting hook 581 rests on thelocking portion 574 of tab 570, as shown in FIG. 47. In this mode, thedownward projecting hook 581 does not contact turned up edge 581 oropening 578 in the metal hook 571. Tab 570 rotates as described above.

However, in the event of a collision, it is possible that the tab 570and metal hook 571 may move relative to each other. For example, in theevent of a head-on collision, the two components may move relative toeach other. In one embodiment, the hook 571 moves forward (i.e. into thepage along direction 585), while tab 570 moves in the oppositedirection. Without a mechanism to stop this relative motion, the hookand tab may disengage (for example, see FIG. 22, where tab 471 is flat).

Therefore, in this embodiment, the turned up edge 581 and opening 578serve as a secondary locking mechanism. FIG. 48 shows how the tab 570and the metal hook 571 interlock in the event of relative motion betweenthem. In this embodiment, the downward projection 581 slides intoopening 578. Since metal hook 571 is biased downwardly, the projection581 moves down and effectively “snaps” into the opening 578. The turnedup edge 579 is simply to insure that the hook 571 does not slide pastthe tab 570 before the projection 581 catches the opening 578. In someembodiments, the turned up edge 579 may not be needed.

FIG. 25 shows an expanded view of the unlock mechanism 460 near theconnection point 430. As described earlier, the connection point 430allows the car seat to attach to the stroller or other apparatus thathas cooperating notches or recesses 137. FIG. 26 shows an expanded viewof FIG. 25. The upper member 482 connects to a ramped portion 483. Whenthe upper member 482 is moved upwardly or axially (toward the head end),it brings the ramped portion 483 upward toward the head end. This causesthe ramped portion 483 to push against cylindrical member 487. As aresult, cylindrical member 487 is urged radially inwardly, such that itcauses connection point 430 to recede radially inwardly into the body ofthe car seat and disengage from the recesses 137 in the base, thestroller or other apparatus. This allows the car seat to be removed fromthe stroller. The cylindrical member 487 is normally biased to theradially extended position (shown in FIG. 26) by a biasing member, suchas a spring (not shown). Thus, when the upper member 482 is released andreturned to its rest position, the cylindrical member 487 moves back tothe radially extended position.

FIG. 27 shows a bottom view of the car seat in the area of theconnection point 430. In addition to the connection point 430, a claw488 optionally extends downwardly from the bottom of the car seat. FIG.28 shows an expanded side view of this optional feature. When uppermember 482 is in its natural rest position, connection point 430 extendsradially from the body of the car seat. In addition, claw 488 extendsoutwardly from the bottom of the seat. This claw 488 engages with catch120 (See FIG. 3). When the upper member 482 is pulled toward the headend, it causes the claw 488 to recede into the shell, thereby releasingthe claw from the catch 120 and allowing the car seat to be removed fromthe base. In one embodiment, the upper members 482 terminate inelongated slots 487, through which the connection points 430 pass. FIG.29 shows another view of this optional feature. Note that upper member482 also includes a looped portion 489 to support the claw 488.

FIG. 30 shows the release handle 481 of the unlock mechanism 460. Therelease handle 481 is located on the underside of the car seat. In oneembodiment, a lip 490 is also located on the underside of the car seatand can be used as leverage to actuate the release handle 481. In thisembodiment, the user may position their palm against the lip 490, withtheir fingers grasping the handle 481. By moving their fingers towardthe palm, the release handle 481 is moved upward (axially), therebyactuating the unlock mechanism 460. FIGS. 31-32 show additional views ofthe lip 490 and release handle 481. FIG. 32 also shows an elongatedopening 491 in the plastic shell that provides a track for the releasehandle. The release handle 481 is able to move up and down within thisopening 491 via radially extending protrusions.

FIG. 33 shows a view of the release handle 481 and its connection toupper members 482 a,b. In this embodiment, the upper members 482 a,bterminate with an aperture 492 at the end nearest the release handle481. The radially extending protrusions of the release handle 481 passthrough this aperture, thereby connecting the upper members to therelease handle. In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 34, the releasehandle 481 terminates in an oval shaped knob 493, having a shape andsize similar to the aperture 492 in the upper member 482. To connectthese pieces, the release handle 481 is held at a ninety-degree angle toits normal orientation, so that the knob 493 can pass through theapertures 492. Then, upon proper orientating the release handle 481, theknobs are rotated 90 degrees, preventing them from passing back throughthe apertures 492.

In other configurations, the release handle 481 and upper members 482may be a unitary part. In still other embodiments, other fasteningmechanisms are used to hold the release handle 481 and upper members 482together.

FIG. 35 shows a view of the car seat mounted to the base. In theembodiment shown, the two locations where the car seat attaches to thebase are highlighted by circles 498 and 499. Note that belt guide 105passes between two attachment areas 498, 499. This configuration givesthe car seat and base added stability. Any sudden changes in speed ofthe vehicle in the forward or backward direction will necessary cause aforce to be exerted on the infant child restraint system. By placing thebelt guide 105 between the two attachment areas 498, 499, the rotationof the base 100 and seat about the axis created by the belt guide 105 issignificantly reduced.

In many prior art systems, the handle is smooth on three sides, with anexposed side, typically containing ribs for strength. Handles aretraditionally made this way due to the complexity of molding a unitarypart with four smooth surfaces. However, these conventional handles canbe unsightly, when viewing this exposed side. FIG. 36 shows the handle440 used with the infant child restraint system. ment, such as a spring(not shown), urges the tabs 470 to rotate back, thereby moving thelocking portion can be seen in better detail in the following figures,the left handle 501 and right handle 502 are concave in shape, and donot have any exposed sides.

FIG. 37 shows the outside view of right handle 502. The lower portion ofthe handle ends at a cylindrical structure 504, adapted to connect tothe car seat. The outside edge 505 of the handle 502 has a generallyconcave shape. The handle 502 also has a curvilinear shape.

FIG. 38 shows a top view of right handle 502. The concave shape of theoutside edge 505 is visible, especially at the point where the handlemeets the cylindrical structure 504. The distal end of the right handle502 includes a fastening hole 506, and a handle attachment mechanism507, for attaching the right handle 502 to the left handle 501.

FIG. 39 shows a view of the inner edge 508 of the right handle 502. Notethat the inner edge 508 also has a concave portion 509. In thisembodiment, the handle attachment mechanism 507 includes an oblong tab,which is adapted to mate with a similarly shaped opening in the lefthandle 501. To join these parts, the oblong tab 507 is inserted throughthe oblong opening in the left handle 501. In the preferred embodiment,the tab and opening are offset by about 90° from one another. Thisorientation allows the handles are rotated with respect to each other tolock them together.

FIG. 40 shows a top view of the right handle 502. The fastening hole 506and handle attachment mechanism 507 are shown. The concave shape ofoutside edge 505 is also visible.

FIG. 41 shows an expanded view of the handle attachment mechanism 510 ofleft handle 501. As described above, in one embodiment, the tab 507 isoblong and mates to a corresponding oblong hole in the left handle 501.Although an oblong, or oval shaped, tab and opening are shaped in thefigures, other shapes are possible. Any non-symmetrical shape can beused. For example, a rectangular shaped tab and opening can also beemployed, where the rectangular tab is preferably oriented 90° relativeto the rectangular opening. This arrangement allows the two handles tolock together.

FIG. 42 shows a top view of the left handle 501 and right handle 502joined together. The tab 507 is locked into the opening 509, therebyholding the parts together. The area near the handle attachmentmechanism is typically where the user would hold the handle. Therefore,a cap is placed over at least this portion of the handle assembly, toprotect the user's hand from the sharp edges. Fastening holes 506 areused to secure the handle cap.

FIG. 43 shows a top view of the left handle 501, right handle 502 andhandle cap 515. The holes 516 in the handle cap 515 align with thefastening holes 506 in the handles 501, 502. Screws or other fasteningdevices can then be used to secure the handle cap 515 to the handles.

Although the handle assembly described above is made using two parts(i.e. a left handle 501 and a right handle 502) and a handle cap, thisis only one possible embodiment. In another embodiment, the handleassembly is molded as a unitary piece, which attaches at two points tothe shell 450. In this embodiment, the handle cap 515 may optionally beattached to the unitary piece, to provide a more comfortable surface forthe user to grasp. In other embodiments, the user grasps the unitarypiece.

1. A child restraint assembly, comprising: a base adapted to be mountedto a vehicle seat, having a hook located in a foot end of said base,projecting upward and adapted to engage with an unlocking mechanism; acar seat removably couplable to said base; and said unlocking mechanismcarried by said car seat and operatively disposed to detach said carseat from said base, said unlocking mechanism comprising a tab biased toa first position in which said tab engages with said hook in said base,and actuatable to a second position in which said tab is rotated so asto disengage from said hook and release said car seat from said base. 2.The child restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein said unlockingmechanism comprises a handle at a head end of said car seat, whereinactuation of said handle causes actuation of said tab to said secondposition.
 3. The child restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein said tabcomprises a locking portion, an elongated arm and a pivot, about whichsaid tab rotates.
 4. The child restraint assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid hook has a notched area, wherein said tab is biased in said notchedarea in said first position.
 5. The child restraint assembly of claim 3,wherein said hook has a notched area, wherein said locking portion ofsaid tab is biased in said notched area in said first position.
 6. Thechild restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein said hook comprises anangled top portion, such that when said car seat is pressed onto saidbase, said tab rotates so as to slide down said angled top portion, andthen is biased toward a notched region, located below said angled topportion.
 7. The child restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein saidunlocking mechanism further comprises a first member biased to a firstposition in which radially outwardly extending members engagecorresponding recesses in said base, and actuatable to a second positionin which said radially outwardly extending members are moved radiallyinwardly to disengage from said recesses and release said car seat fromsaid base.
 8. The child restraint assembly of claim 7, wherein saidunlocking mechanism comprises a ramped portion that upon attachment ofsaid car seat to said base, engages said extending member and moves itradially outwardly.
 9. The child restraint assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid tab comprises a locking portion, and an opening, and said hookcomprises a notched region having a downward projection.
 10. The childrestraint assembly of claim 9, wherein, in said second position, saiddownward projection rests on said locking portion.
 11. The childrestraint assembly of claim 9, wherein, in the event of an accident,said unlocking mechanism utilizes a third position, wherein saiddownward projection enters said opening.
 12. The child restraintassembly of claim 11, wherein said tab further comprises a turned upedge so that said hook cannot slide off said tab in the event of anaccident.
 13. A method of attaching and detaching a car seat to a basecomprising: utilizing a base having an upwardly projecting hook having anotched region, for connection to said car seat; pressing said car seatonto said base, wherein said car seat comprises an unlocking mechanismcarried by said car seat and comprising a tab having a locked positionand an unlocked position, such that said tab rotates as said car seat inpressed onto said base, so as to allow said hook to enter said car seat,and upon full insertion, said tab is biased to rotate to said lockedposition, where said tab enters said notched region of said hook. 14.The method of claim 13, further comprising pulling a handle on said carseat, so as to rotate said tab to said unlocked position, where said tabis not in said notched region of said hook.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein said unlocking mechanism further comprises a first member biasedto a first position in which radially outwardly extending members engagecorresponding recesses in said base, further comprising engaging saidmembers in said recesses when pressing said car seat onto said base. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising pulling a handle on said carseat, such that said radially outwardly extending members are movedradially inwardly to disengage from said recesses and release said carseat from said base.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said hookcomprises a downward projection and said tab comprises an opening,further comprising, locking said base to said car seat by biasing saiddownward projection into said opening in the event said hook and saidtab are slid relative to each other.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinsaid base comprises a recess, having a bottom and sloped sides, furthercomprising having a user press a knee into said recess and push saidbase downward and forward when fastening a seat belt to said base.
 19. Abase adapted to be mounted to a vehicle seat, configured to attach to acar seat, comprising a recessed knee-receiving area, into which the usercan place their knee when tightening a vehicle's restraint system aroundsaid base.
 20. The base of claim 19, wherein said base has a front endclosest to the edge of the vehicle seat, wherein said recess comprises abottom, an arcuate end furthest from said front end of said base, andsloped sides.